phenomena

[fi-nom-uh-nuh]

noun

1. a plural of phenomenon.

phenomena

/ fɪˈnɒmɪnə /

noun

1. a plural of phenomenon

Usage

As with other plurals of Latin or Greek origin, like media and criteria, there is a tendency to use the plural phenomena as a singular ( This phenomena will not be seen again ), but such use occurs infrequently in edited writing. The plural form phenomenas, though occasionally seen, has even less currency.

Word History and Origins

Origin of phenomena¹

First recorded in 1580–90 with spelling phænomena

Example Sentences

Among the agency’s directives, the act stated, would be “the expansion of human knowledge of phenomena in the atmosphere.”

From Los Angeles Times

Within this space between, Gramsci argued, “morbid phenomena of the most varied kind come to pass.”

From Salon

"There still is phenomena attached to Bonnybridge or why would we go down to see subsequent prime ministers?"

From BBC

The EPA said those claims are inaccurate, but added that it was “reasonable to ask questions” about unfamiliar phenomena.

From Salon

“We must continue implementing measures and public policies to combat these phenomena,” she said Monday.

From Los Angeles Times

When To Use

What does phenomena mean?

Phenomena is the plural of phenomenon, which most generally refers to an observable occurrence or circumstance. For example, hurricanes and tornadoes are two kinds of weather phenomena.Phenomenon is also commonly used to refer to an extraordinary event or something that becomes the subject of widespread interest and attention, as in Both films have become worldwide phenomena.Sometimes, phenomenon refers to a person with an extraordinary talent or ability, especially a relatively young person who is considered a prodigy. The word phenom (a shortened form of phenomenon) is commonly used to mean the same thing, as in She became an internationally known chess phenom when she was just 14 years old. This sense of phenomenon is not commonly pluralized as phenomena.Example: Scientists are struggling to explain these strange phenomena, saying they’ve never seen anything like them.